ODOT modifies I-5 expansion plans to prevent Esplanade impacts

An artist’s rendering of what the wider I-5 might have looked like from the Esplanade.
(Source: Graphics by Cupola Media/ No More Freeways PDX)
An artist’s rendering of what the wider I-5 might have looked like from the Esplanade.
(Source: Graphics by Cupola Media/ No More Freeways PDX)
This orphan section of the Springwater Corridor path build in 2011, is just north of the Ross Island Sand & Gravel parcel that is now for sale.
(Photos: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)
Significant?
(Graphic by Cupola Media via No More Freeways PDX.)
There’s a good reason why the Oregon Department of Transportation abhors delay when it comes to their freeway expansion megaprojects: Because the longer reporters and advocates have to dig into the details, the more dirt they find.[Read more…]
If your bicycling plans involve any paths, bikeways, or roads around the Willamette River, be on the lookout for water. [Read more…]
Graphics by Cupola Media via No More Freeways PDX.
With so many inconvenient truths brought to light recently about the Oregon Department of Transportation’s plans to expand the I-5 freeway, one of the most disturbing is the fact that it would cast an even larger shadow over the Eastbank Esplanade.
[Read more…]
Earlier today we shared the good news: That PBOT will re-open Better Naito three months early.
Here’s the bad news: They’re doing that because the Portland Parks and Recreation Bureau will close the Eastbank Esplanade for two months starting February 1st.
[Read more…]
The mighty Eastbank Esplanade is showing its age and needs a maintenance funding boost.
(Photo: J. Maus)
The Portland Parks & Recreation bureau is bracing for budget cuts that could have a significant impact to marquee paths citywide.
The City Budget Office has recommended a reduction of $2.1 million from the Parks budget. “This level of cuts,” the Bureau said in a blog post last month, “will significantly impact our programs.”
There are two line items in the budget advocates are focusing on: One of them would slash funding for path maintenance; the other would offer a much-needed boost for the beloved Eastbank Esplanade.
[Read more…]
The local chapter of the American Institute of Architects is honoring some of Portland’s urban design gems with a free educational bike ride Saturday that happens to include a trip along one of its most important bikeways.
The common link: Female designers are behind all eight stops on the approximately 10-mile tour.
The tour meets at the Portland Aerial Tram Biketown station at 9:30 a.m. this Saturday, Sept. 23, and finishes near the same site around 1 p.m., with lunch to follow.
It’s a project of Portland AIA’s ForWARD Committee: “Forum for Women in Architecture and Related Design.”
**The path has been closed as of Saturday 3/25. See below for update and statement from Portland Parks & Recreation bureau.
The City of Portland Parks and Recreation bureau says the floating portions of the Eastbank Esplanade could close if water levels in the Willamette River continue to climb.
Here’s the problem: The section of path just north and south of the Burnside Bridge is tethered to the riverbank. The ramps that lead down to the floating path are fixed. Therefore, as water rises, the path rises above the ramps, creating a sharp incline as seen in the photos above.[Read more…]